Thread: Portland Razor Company “Hydra” 6/8 Spanish Point (square) - long winded read

Has anyone honed one of these yet? I'd like to hear thoughts on how the steel performed and what kind of an edge they were able to achieve.

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

Has anyone honed one of these yet? I'd like to hear thoughts on how the steel performed and what kind of an edge they were able to achieve.

I should be getting one soon. I see you might be in my area, if so you can use it and judge for yourself.

Originally Posted by Wid

I should be getting one soon. I see you might be in my area, if so you can use it and judge for yourself.

My edge from Scott at PRC was the best shave I've every experienced on a newly purchased razor. I reviewed the edge with a 30X60 lighted loupe. No scratch marks and a very smooth shave. I've owned this PRC razor for six weeks and I've only maintained the edge with a strop. I checked it again yesterday and it passes the HHT test with flying colors.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...w-and-Pictures

I am aware of the review, thanks

Ordered mine yesterday. I would assume I won't get it until after the holidays.

I received my hydra last week. It's a great shaver. I'll take better pictures and add some description at a later date. But my big impression is that this is a really good razor, attractive and a great shave. Once you factor in the price, the value is through the roof.

The spine seems so thin for the blade width, that it seems the edge angle would be more narrow than a typical straight and more difficult to hone. The bevel seems pretty large as well....but I don't have one in hand.

Hey guys, Scott here. Really don't want to interrupt the good conversation that is happening, but thought I should probably chime in and hopefully answer a few questions.

The thickness of the spine IS slightly thinner than a typical razor of this width. I know this seems odd, but here is my reasoning for making this decision. I personally have always liked the way 1/4 hollow ground 6/8ths razors shave, but haven't always appreciated the weight and bulk of a heavy grind and a 6/8ths width. When designing my line of razors, I started experimenting with 3/16" thick as opposed to 1/4" thick spines to see if I could maintain some of the nimble feel of a lighter, smaller razor, but still have the stiffer, heavier grind and 6/8ths width. In order to offset the skinny spine I hone my razors with 2 pieces of tape which brings the bevel angle to right around 16.5deg. I know a lot of people don't really like to hone with tape, but I have been using this method for a long time now, and on my razors have been getting very consistent results.

Now if anyone out there has honed any Portland Razor Co. razors, I would certainly like to get some feedback. The feedback that I have personally gotten on honing PRC razors has been favorable. The two pieces of tape can throw some people off at first, but I haven't heard of anyone having any major problems so far. I've really been trying to finish the section on my website where I describe my honing method and give tips and pointers on how to hone PRC razors, but have just been slammed with making razors and haven't had the time to work on my site lately.

I know many of you who are on this thread have also recently placed orders for Portland Razor Co. razors and I'm sure many of you have noticed that my lead time has grown from 10 days to 6 weeks. I'm sure a lot of it is the holiday rush, but please know that I am working very diligently to get everyone's razors out the door in the order the orders come in and in as timely a manner as possible. I've been working at least 13 hours a day 7 days a week trying to catch up on orders, so anyone who is waiting for a razor, please know that I am giving every razor the attention it deserves and that it is coming!

As always, I really appreciate seeing and hearing discussion about PRC razors. I love the feedback, I'm always trying to make a better product, so please keep the discussion going and I am going to get back to the grindstone!

Thanks for the information, Scott. I thought tape needed to be involved. I'm pleasantly surprised you get the correct bevel angle.

Did I mention that Scott, the owner, is a great communicator?

Scott, you just saved yourself my email about setting the bevel. 2 pieces of tape...noted.

Loving the razor!!